Back to Search Start Over

TRENDS IN GERIATRIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE FOR OLDER ADULT PATIENTS

Authors :
M. Chrisman
Teresita M. Hogan
P.D. Magidson
Jon Mark Hirshon
John G. Schumacher
Publication Year :
2017
Publisher :
Oxford University Press, 2017.

Abstract

Older adults have sought treatment in emergency departments (EDs) since their inception, however, increasing numbers of older adult ED patients present unique challenges to EDs. This research examines the emergence of dedicated U.S. geriatric emergency departments (GEDs) and related models of ED care between 2007–2015. Survey data was collected from N=53 U.S. hospitals out of a total of N=82 hospitals identified as promoting their geriatric emergency medical services. Analysis reveals substantial heterogeneity in the organization and provision of care. Annual openings of new GEDs reached N=15 in 2013 with fewer than half that number opening in any other year. Over 85% of setting used the term “senior” in their title in contrast to “geriatric”. Most GEDs did not allocate dedicated GED space (56%), however, the majority (>80%) made modifications to bedding, flooring, lighting, and clinical procedures in a portion of the ED. Respondents noted challenges in GED staffing, training & education, availability of validated screening tools, and sustained support of the hospital administration. Overall, the care of acutely ill older patients remains in flux. Current ED settings make specific modifications based on local needs and resources in the absence of strong incentives to adopt recently released national geriatric emergency department guidelines and principles (2014).

Details

Language :
English
Database :
OpenAIRE
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....d57ca4c443eb1fac80ece29f1d3619df